Battery Electrode Retainer and Insulating Sheet for Short Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary battery manufacturing methods face challenges in preventing electrical shorts and ensuring proper assembly, particularly in protecting the electrode assembly from damage during insertion into the case.
Innovation Solution
The use of an insulating sheet with adhesive, coupled to the electrode assembly and retainer, along with a retainer made of electrically insulating materials like polypropylene or polyimide, which covers the side surfaces of the electrode assembly to prevent electrical contact with the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer is attached to the electrode assembly to prevent electrical shorts, then electrical safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer and insulating sheet into a single integrated component. The retainer is formed with integrated insulating sheets that are coupled to its outer surface, creating a unified structure that provides both mechanical retention and electrical insulation functions simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated retainer structure serves multiple functions: it mechanically holds the electrode assembly in position, provides electrical insulation between the electrode and case, and prevents direct contact between conductive components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall assembly structure while ensuring electrical safety
2Reliability
If an insulating sheet is used to cover the electrode assembly, then protection from damage is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to adhesive application and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheet is pre-coupled to the retainer structure before the electrode assembly is inserted into the case. This preliminary attachment ensures proper positioning and eliminates the need for precise adhesive application during final assembly, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while providing adequate protection from damage
3Volume of stationary object
If the retainer width is reduced to minimize space usage, then the internal volume efficiency is improved, but the electrical insulation reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the insulating sheet not only on the lateral surfaces but also on the top and bottom surfaces of the retainer. This three-dimensional insulation coverage provides adequate electrical insulation even when the retainer width is reduced, maintaining reliability while improving internal volume efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents electrical shorts and protects the electrode assembly from damage during assembly, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the secondary battery.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating sheet may have an adhesive on an inner surface thereof, and the insulating sheet may be coupled to the electrode assembly and the retainer by the adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
A secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly (130) having a long side (132) and a short side (131); a retainer (120) coupled to the short side (131) of the electrode assembly (130); an insulating sheet (110) surrounding a periphery of the electrode assembly (130) and the retainer (120); and a case (170) accommodating the electrode assembly (130), the retainer (120), and the insulating sheet (110).